Description
Sinful Chocolate Cherry Trifle promises an elegant dessert journey through layers of rich chocolate, luscious cherries, and silky cream. Guests will swoon over this indulgent masterpiece that blends classic European flavors into one irresistible sweet experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Base:
- 1 chocolate cake
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Cream and Filling:
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup mascarpone cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Fruit and Topping:
- 2 cups fresh cherries
- 1/4 cup cherry liqueur
- 1/2 cup chocolate shavings
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 2 tbsp chocolate syrup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a baking pan by greasing and flouring the surface to prevent cake from sticking.
- Combine flour, cocoa powder, and sugar in a mixing bowl, creating a uniform dry mixture for the chocolate cake base.
- Whisk eggs separately, then gently fold into the dry ingredients until a smooth batter forms without overmixing.
- Pour the chocolate cake batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and baking for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature, then cut into cubes or crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Pit and halve the fresh cherries, then macerate them with cherry liqueur for enhanced flavor depth.
- Whip heavy cream with powdered sugar and vanilla extract until soft, billowy peaks form, creating a light and airy texture.
- Fold mascarpone cheese into the whipped cream mixture, ensuring a smooth and creamy consistency.
- Layer the dessert in a clear glass trifle dish, starting with chocolate cake pieces as the foundation.
- Drizzle soaked cherries and their liqueur over the cake layer, allowing flavors to penetrate.
- Generously spread the mascarpone cream mixture, creating an even, luxurious layer.
- Repeat layering process, ending with a final cream layer on top.
- Garnish with chocolate shavings, sliced almonds, and a delicate drizzle of chocolate syrup.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld and settle.
Notes
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth cake batter and prevent uneven mixing.
- Sift cocoa powder and flour together to eliminate lumps and create a more refined texture.
- Gently fold egg mixture into dry ingredients to maintain cake’s light and airy structure.
- Line baking pan with parchment paper for easier cake removal and cleanup.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherries for maximum flavor intensity in the dessert.
- Add a splash of kirsch or brandy to enhance the cherry liqueur’s depth.
- Chill mixing bowl and whisk before whipping cream for faster, more stable peaks.
- Use mascarpone at room temperature to blend seamlessly with whipped cream.
- Create visually appealing layers by using a clear glass dish to showcase ingredients.
- Allow trifle to rest in refrigerator overnight for more developed, harmonious flavors.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg